Iffy for 14+
Talky, arty, intense sequel may not interest kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this talky, artistic sequel to 1998's Elizabeth probably won't be a big draw for many kids, even older teens. That said, it liberally interprets the PG-13 rating (the original was R), since it contains some graphic, bloody violence. Images include torture, a tongue being cut out, heads in cages, beatings, shooting, hanging, beheading, and an epic sea battle. Flirtations are more intellectual than physical, though there's plenty of visible cleavage in the colorful costumes. One sex scene is glamorous and shadowy, with a brief image of a passionate embrace. Raleigh brings "natives" from the New World in face paint; though others look on them as novelties, the queen orders them treated like royal visitors. Characters drink occasionally, and the queen smokes tobacco once.
- Families can talk about how the movie depicts its historical characters. Is it more or less realistic than other dramas about the Elizabethan era? How can you tell? How could you find out more about the period? Families can also discuss Elizabeth's choices. How does she deal with being single and powerful? What sacrifices does she make to be queen? How does the film compare her ambitions and cruelties with those of her cousin Mary?
The good stuff
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Messages: Royals, diplomats, explorers, and servants all are ambitious, competitive, and treacherous, then make speeches about national pride. Constant politics, plotting, and betrayal.
What to watch for
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Violence: A man has his tongue cut out (bloody mouth visible) and is beaten (brief image, mostly assailants' kicks shown, rather than his body). Torture scene features screaming and bloody bodies, as well as heads in cages (with screws designed to poke holes in the skulls). One brother attempts to assassinate the other with a knife; the attacker ends up in prison, where he appears bloodied and collapsed (the abuse isn't shown, just the effects). Assassination attempt on the queen ends with gun fired, but no hit. Execution of a traitor shows hanging of bloody body (full body shot), then cut to dangling feet. Execution of Mary Stuart shows her head on the chopping block, the executioner with ax raised, and then cuts away, to the loud sound of the blade hitting. Elizabeth slaps Bess hard. British Navy vs. Spanish Armada battle includes canons, gunfire, flaming bodies, screaming victims, and a horse leaping from a ship in slow motion into the sea. A ship loaded with explosives serves as vehicular bomb.
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Sex: Several scenes show cleavage, sometimes heaving, mostly encased in period bodices. Repeated references to Elizabeth's virginity (she makes one, in a joke about the name "Virginia"). Spanish ambassador accuses Elizabeth of taking "pirates to your royal bed." Complex flirtations among Elizabeth, Bess, and Raleigh feature speedy dialogue and subtle glances. Kiss between Raleigh and Bess; subsequent sex scene features nude torsos in profile, shadows, and dissolves.
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Language: Mild language includes occasional uses of "hell" and "bastard." One muffled word could be 'f--k,' but it's very difficult to hear.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Drinking at gatherings; Raleigh brings tobacco from the New World, saying, "You breathe its smoke: Very stimulating!" Elizabeth and Bess try smoking and cough.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
The Golden Age by mkidby
This is far and away the most powerful and awe striking movie ever made about Elizabeth I.
Cate Blanchett was indescribably brilliant in portraying not only the awesome power of Elizabeth I; but also her vulnerability, her loneliness, and her fears.
Cate and the other cast members and crew of this movie will not only be nominated for major awards, but they will win some as well.
I am glad I went to see it by myself because it moved me so much I was balling my head off at the end.
I believe that people that understand Elizabeth I as I do will also have similar emotional reactions to it.
And, I think it is going to be a huge box office hit.
Time will be the one telling the real story about this movie!!
4
Anxiously awaited sequel by farnkiefivefingers
Costume, set and makeup alone areriveting and we get Cate's return, the incredible Geoffrey Rush (the magnetic Barbossa, "Twelfth Night", "Quills", "Munich" and a must see as Peter Sellers in "The Life And Death Of peter Sellers") and the added bonus of Clive Owen. Acting and directing, costume design and makeup stand up to the first but don't expect the story to be as intriguing. The storyline content is not as engaging as the first and some artistic liberties are taken with historical facts. Some cheesier dialogue dissapoints as well and Rush's role is reduced. If you can forgive the script, Blanchett is as captivating of a presence as ever and I liked Morton as Mary. Expect Blanchett to be nominated for a lead Oscar but win for supporting again for her role as Bob Dylan in "I'm Not There".
5
FABULOUS! by sindyCA
This movie was even better than I expected. Cate Blanchett out did herself and deserves the Oscar for her role as Elizabeth.
A MUST go!!!!
4
Solid Film by Rumrnr
The appropriate viewers of this film know who they are and will see it without regard to positive or negative feedback by us. I enjoyed the film and thought it did a good job of condensing a large chunk of Englands history into 2 hours. Cate did a SUPERB job as the Queen...Again. While poetic liscense is taken for the sake of a story the movie is solid and provides good entertainment and spectacular sets and costumes. Go enjoy the movie and quit over thinking things!
PS...the music is well done.. not at all too loud in my opinion!
5
Good Sequel by tersaseda
The movie in and of itself is pretty good. The directing, casting, costumes, location, special effects, and acting were all superbly executed. Cate Blanchett does a fabulous job of conveying a more confident, experienced Queen Elizabeth than what we saw in her "coming into her own" in "Elizabeth." Unfortunately, Geoffery Rush was not as prominent in this film, but his acting and part are as crucial and wonderfully portrayed as in the first movie.
For the most part, the plot was intriguing and fit the direction of the movie very well. There is only one aspect which bothered me about the film: I felt that the symbolism was too strong towards the end. I felt it weakened the overall effect of the story. The symbolism didn't ruin the movie, but I just felt it was a weak point.
Overall, I loved the movie! I will definitely be buying it, and will watch it again and again... If you liked the first "Elizabeth" then you will enjoy this "Elizabeth" as well. Happy viewing!
5
Amazing Film by rocker43
I loved this movie! I didn't know what to expect. It was so beautifully done. From the acting to the directing to the costumes to the cinematography. Esquisite. Cate Blanchett and Clive Owen were superb. She definitely deserves an academy award nomination for this one. I felt her pain and the burden she had to bear for England. if you want to see some great acting with a great story, don't miss this one.
4
They Tried Soooo Hard by WizardMovieCritic
Cate Blanchet gives a deep and dynamic portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I. While her portrayal is quite different than Helen Miren (in the HBO Miniseries), she is consistent and excellent in her interpretation of this magnificent Monarch. But, don't expect to be blown away with this film. Like all sequels, this one suffers from trying to pack too much into one film. It is beautifully filmed and the dialogue is wonderful, but the story depends the viewer have a solid understanding of British History. I have a feeling a lot of scenes were left on the cutting room floor. The film leaves you wanting more explaination and a powerful punch or a gut reaction to the Queen. But it fell short. They tried to recreate the feeling of first movie. You felt a gut reaction when Cate Blanchet uttered, "I am my Father's daughter, I am not afraid of anything." And the end scene when she turns herself into a virgin. This film has no such powerful moments. I recommend seeing it. Enjoy the vision.
5
Elizabeth the golden age by rocklinprince
The movie was great. I usally wait till movies come out on video to see them. But i was very glad i went to see this on the big screen. Kate Blanchett did a great job in her depiction of a great Quenn. I will be seeing this movie again before it goes to video.
The costumes and set designs are amazing and only enhance what your seeing on the screen, i'm willing to bet that it earns it an oscar for set and costume design.
5
The Royalty of Blanchett by nyc_tm
The design and cinematography are stunning, the costumes are worth the movie price alone, but nothing in the world is more brilliant than watching Cate Blanchett work as Queen. The more human story-telling angle chosen to express Elizabeth's more mature reign, and the ultimate loneliness of supreme power, was an interesting tac. Ms. Blanchett is as regal, stunning, and amazing as ever was. Her mind blowing talent for conveying a tsunami of emotion with seemingly "doing" little at all is definitely a card that Mr. Kapur is extremely lucky to have available. However, some of his directorial choices left the movie with a thinner connection to other characters, as compared to his more successful first Elizabeth triumph, but on the whole not a bad job. A strong cast does help Mr. Kapur in his weaker story-telling moments.
"The Golden Age" is worth the ticket price, and visually won't disappoint. Cate Blanchett works her magic full out, which alone makes this one a worth it.
5
Elizabeth the Great!! by justafan
Really a great movie. Oscar for lead actress.